Abstract:
CEA-Leti has joined 14 European research centers and private companies in a project to defeat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The NAREB project, which stands for Nanotherapeutics for Antibiotic Resistant Emerging Bacterial pathogens, will focus on the design, preparation and optimization of several nanoformulations of current antibiotics and novel antibacterial drugs to improve the treatment of both infections in European MDR TB patients. Specific project goals include:

- in vitro and in vivo testing of the best therapeutic combinations, including innovative genomic and bioimaging approaches

- assessing safety, regulatory and production (GLP/GMP) aspects for the most promising nanoformulations, and

- establishing a clinical development plan for preparatory work for the subsequent clinical testing of the selected nanoformulations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized antibiotic resistance as one of the three major threats to global health, and is predicting a forthcoming disaster due to the rapid, unchecked increase in antimicrobial resistance largely as a consequence of the paucity of new classes of antibacterials in development.

In the NAREB project, Leti is leading the work package for the design of new nanotherapeutics, i.e. nanoparticles enabling targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents directly into infected tissues. Leti will test its Lipidots® delivery technology for this purpose. Lipidots® delivery technology is based on biocompatible lipid nano-droplets initially developed for in vivo imaging applications.

The success of the utilization of nanoparticles in the improvement of drug targeting in other diseases opens the way for novel applications in nanotechnology-based treatments aimed at controlling MDR TB and MRSA. NAREB results will contribute to the improvement of the:

- application of nanotechnology in medicine and the development of new therapy for bacterial infectious diseases, directly benefiting EU citizens

- competitiveness of the European healthcare sector through novel systems and therapies

- cooperation and collaboration between organizations from the public and private sectors, with transfer of knowledge in regulatory issues related to the product-development pathway of nanotherapeutics used in humans.

Project team members include academic research institutes, clinical teams, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies from eight EU countries. Supported by the European Commission under Horizon 2020 and the 7th Framework Programme, the four-year, €9.7-million project is coordinated by Institut Pasteur, Paris.

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About CEA-LetiBy creating innovation and transferring it to industry, Leti is the bridge between basic research and production of micro- and nanotechnologies that improve the lives of people around the world. Backed by its portfolio of 2,200 patents, Leti partners with large industrials, SMEs and startups to tailor advanced solutions that strengthen their competitive positions. It has launched more than 50 startups. Its 8,000m˛ of new-generation cleanroom space feature 200mm and 300mm wafer processing of micro and nano solutions for applications ranging from space to smart devices. Leti’s staff of more than 1,700 includes 200 assignees from partner companies. Leti is based in Grenoble, France, and has offices in Silicon Valley, Calif., and Tokyo. Visit www.leti.fr for more information.